India’s renowned sports media brand, Sports Illustrated (SI) India Magazine concluded the sixth edition of ‘Maruti Suzuki Sportsperson of the Year’ Charity Gala Awards on 6th July, 2017 at ITC Grand Central, Parel, Mumbai. The Sportsperson of the Year is the most coveted Sports Awards franchise globally, acknowledging the performances and sporting excellence of athletes and teams for their outstanding achievements.
Sports Illustrated India partnered with Magic Bus for this year’s gala. Magic Bus is an award-winning NGO that steers children towards a better life with better awareness, better life skills, and better opportunities, in the journey from childhood to livelihood. The funds raised from the gala will be used towards the betterment of these underprivileged children.
It was a star-studded evening where some of India’s sports icons such as P.V. Sindhu, Pullela Gopichand, KL Rahul, Abhinav Bindra, Deepa Mallik, Bhaichung Bhutia, Gaurav Gill and Shiva Keshavan were felicitated. Bollywood wasn’t left far behind as Richa Chadda, Taapsee Pannu and Angad Bedi also graced the occasion.
Vivek Pareek, Senior Publisher of Sports Illustrated India said, “The Maruti Suzuki Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Charity Gala is the perfect platform to recognize and celebrate performance in sports. We have consistently supported all sports in India and the diverse attendance is proof of that. Sports is not limited in appeal or reach, and it is in this diversity that it finds its strength. We will continue to fight for sports and support sportspersons.”
Vivek Mukherji, Editor of Sports Illustrated India, said, “Sports Illustrated has lived up to its commitment to sports and India’s sportspersons again with this year’s Awards. Our magazine’s founding principles of integrity and fairness ensure that all sports find an equal voice. We’re growing from strength to strength and we’re very excited about the future of sports in India. We hope to continue playing a large part in it.”
Matthew Spacie, Founder of Magic Bus, said, “It was a great event and I thank Sports illustrated India for giving Magic Bus this huge platform. We share the same core principles of uplifting society through sports and it is fantastic to see the complete support of the sports fraternity, I’m very grateful that our work has been recognized at this iconic forum. We look forward to many years of associations with Sports Illustrated India.”
Through this association, Sports Illustrated India aims to continue their journey and ensure sports is made accessible for all as well as for the welfare of upcoming athletes.
